A George III Bougie Box made in London circa 1775 by James Phipps I

The Bougie Box, French for candle, is circular in form with a hinged top and crescent shaped sliding cover. The box is decorated with crisp bright cut bands and the side is engraved with a contemporary Crest issuing from a Mural Coronet. The side also displays a hinged carrying handle, unusually modelled to simulate a buckle. These boxes would have contained a coiled length of wax treated with turpentine, so that it would not crack when bent. This burning taper would have been used for sealing letters or as a slow burning flame to light other candles with. These small boxes were often taken when travelling.
Height: 1 inch
Diameter: 2 inches